Uttar Pradesh CM Addresses Post-Diwali Pollution Concerns
Chief Minister's Remarks on Pollution
A boy covers his face while walking along a structure after air quality deteriorates, in Loni area, Ghaziabad, UP, on Tuesday. (Photo:PTI)
Lucknow, Nov 11: On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath downplayed worries regarding pollution following Diwali celebrations, asserting that the air quality would improve over time. He questioned the silence of those who criticize the pollution while ignoring systemic corruption.
During a government event in Lucknow, Adityanath remarked that the public had joyfully celebrated Diwali, and there was no reason for excessive concern about pollution levels.
"Some individuals claim that pollution has risen due to Diwali festivities. So what if it has? It will decrease as well. Why the worry?" he stated.
He criticized those who focus on pollution from firecrackers while neglecting the corruption that has tainted the system. "Those who have polluted the system through their corrupt actions are not held accountable. Yet, when the public enjoys fireworks for a single day, pollution suddenly becomes a major issue," he added.
The Chief Minister defended the celebrations, stating that people rightly enjoyed Diwali with fireworks and enthusiasm. "We had announced that there would be no restrictions. Let people celebrate as they wish," he emphasized.
Adityanath also mentioned his presence during the fireworks in Ayodhya, reinforcing his support for the celebrations.
He pointed out the hypocrisy of critics who remain silent about corruption but raise alarms over festival celebrations. "These individuals do not speak out against wrongdoing, but they suddenly remember pollution when a festival occurs," he remarked.
The Chief Minister highlighted the successful Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya and the peaceful observance of Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, noting that festivals are now celebrated harmoniously across the state.
He contrasted the current festive atmosphere with the unrest that characterized celebrations before 2017, when the BJP was not in power, claiming that communal tensions and riots often marred festivals under previous administrations.
"Before 2017, festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Eid were often accompanied by riots, leaving people feeling unsafe," he stated.
Adityanath noted that there have been no curfews or riots in Uttar Pradesh for over nine years, allowing commerce and community life to flourish.
He also announced the state government's initiative to offer free bus rides for women over 60 traveling to visit their brothers on Bhai Dooj.
The event was held to distribute appointment letters to 1,146 newly appointed junior assistants in the Revenue Department and to provide financial aid to 4,300 beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana.